Building “Strong Youth” with “Strong Art”

Strong Art Strong Youth: A Convening is bringing together those in Baltimore interested and invested in access to arts programs for Baltimore youth. On Saturday, June 22nd from 9am-1pm artists, activists, community members, organizers–everyone–are encouraged to come and take part in a series of exhibits and conversations on the experiences and status of using “strong art” to build “strong youth” in Baltimore.

The day’s events are separated into hour-long segments and attendees are invited to attend all or part of the day (for a complete schedule see below). The convening will begin with an exhibit of youth and artist mentor artworks, including a gallery talk with those artists exhibiting their work. Following the exhibit there will be a presentation of the Strong Art Strong Youth Report findings by Fanon Hill and Peter Bruun. Kenneth Morrison, Sarah Tooley, Muse 360 Arts, and Unchained Talent will also highlight access to art for youth in the city as well as work currently being done by youth in Baltimore.

Using the report’s findings, Fanon Hill and Peter Bruun will also propose recommendations on bettering access and quality of youth art programs in Baltimore. Other youth arts-related initiatives such as Any Given Child, Arts Education in Maryland Schools Alliance, Turnaround Artists, and the Baltimore Art + Justice Project will also be featured, along with the work they are doing and how it relates to the recommendations. Finishing off the day there will be roundtable discussions for attendees to share their thoughts on the Strong Art Strong Youth report and recommendations over a free, light lunch.

The BA+JP Community Dialogues have shown that there is a strong need for continued conversations on topics relating to art and social justice in Baltimore City as well as the desire for building stronger networks and collaborating. The Strong Arts Strong Youth: A Convening is another opportunity for interested individuals and organizations in Baltimore to learn what is happening in the city, what is being done by others, and who might be seeking partners to collaborate with.

The convening is free and completely open to the public. Additionally, all those who attend will receive an abstract of the Strong Art Strong Youth Report and can receive the complete report by email after the event. There will also be a Youth Arts Resource Table for any related program material that you would like to bring and share at the event.

The Baltimore Art + Justice Project

What is art? What is community engagement? What is the impact of art on Baltimore? Where is it? Who gets it?
The Baltimore Art +Justice Blog is a place for artists, advocates, researchers, community members and granters to talk about the impact of community art on Baltimore neighborhoods. By sharing resources, ideas and even a few solutions, the Baltimore Art + Justice blog opens a much needed dialogue among our communities that will help us build a Better, More Just Baltimore.